The Best Headphones

Updated December 10, 2018

We’ve added new information to some of our picks to reflect upcoming changes in other guides.

Your guide

Lauren Dragan

The best headphones for you not only sound great but also do everything else you need, whether they fit in your pocket, block out noise on your subway commute, or stay secure during your workouts. We think the Sony H.ear On WH-H900N does most things well, but that pair isn’t for workouts and can be a bit large. We also have other headphone picks for every need and budget.

Buying Options

Who this is for: This set is great for anyone who needs noise-cancelling headphones and wants the convenience of wireless without giving up anything in terms of sound quality.

Why we like it: Offering good sound, wireless or wired operation, and active noise cancellation, the Sony H.ear On WH-H900N is a great all-around pair of headphones. A battery life of 28-plus hours, a comfortable fit, higher-grade active noise cancelling, and clear phone calls make these headphones suitable for use in the office as well as at home. Although the noise cancellation isn’t the absolute best available, it’s still well above average.

Photo: Rozette Rago

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Turning on the ANC feature can initially cause a bit of “ear suck,” or the feeling that your ears need to pop due to a change of pressure. The touch controls can take a little practice to use, too. The WH-H900N’s included cord lacks a remote and mic, and this model doesn’t work while charging, so you’ll need to make sure it has enough power before placing a call. In our tests, the sound quality when this pair was corded wasn’t our favorite, producing a bit too much bass that could blur into male vocals.

Best wireless earbuds

Our pick

Comfortable, great sounding, fantastic for phone calls, and equipped with all the controls you need, the Elite 65t is the first set of true wireless headphones we’d recommend over traditional Bluetooth earbuds.

Buying Options

Who this is for: These true wireless earbuds have zero wires to get in your way, so they’re right for you if you demand maximum portability without any sacrifices in sound or call quality.

Why we like it: The Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds sound great, fit comfortably, and give you all the experience you might expect from standard Bluetooth earbuds, with the bonus of no wires. Unlike many other true wireless earbuds, this pair has both volume and track controls as well as the ability to trigger Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa from your phone. The four-microphone array works well to keep your voice sounding crystal clear over phone calls. Although the Elite 65t earbuds block out most outside noise, they also have a transparency mode so you can choose to hear your surroundings. If you want to read our thoughts on other true wireless earbuds, check out our best true wireless headphones guide, which includes our review of the Apple AirPods. Or if the standard Bluetooth earbud style is more your speed, you can read more about those models in our best Bluetooth earbuds guide.

Photo: Rozette Rago

Flaws but not dealbreakers: When you push the earbud buttons that control the track and volume, you can end up smooshing the earbud into your ear. The effect isn’t uncomfortable, but it is a bit annoying. The five-hour battery life per charge is at the higher end of listening time between charges for true wireless earbuds—but still far shorter than the life of standard Bluetooth earbuds. And in our tests, these headphones did produce a very slight delay when we were watching video, most notably in the YouTube app.

Battery life: Up to five hours, two additional full charges with charging case (15 total)Warranty: Two yearsIP Rating: IP55 (water and dust)

Buying Options

Who this is for: This Bose set is the best option currently available if you need great active noise cancellation for travel or the office. It sounds good, as well.

Why we like it: The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II offers the best overall noise cancelling we’ve found, and it’s comfortable and lightweight. These headphones also have great battery life and sound pretty good. If you use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, a button on the headphones lets you ask questions or send and listen to messages without touching your phone.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the noise cancelling on this pair is fantastic, the sound quality is good but not amazing. Also, activating the ANC may cause an “ear suck” feeling, as though you need to yawn to adjust the air pressure in your ears, but can’t; many people become accustomed to this sensation, but others may find it slightly uncomfortable over a long period. After some additional testing, we’re going to begin recommending our favorite wireless headphones—the Sony WH-H900N—as our new top pick for noise-cancelling headphones if you want quality sound and a comfortable fit. If you want an upgrade pick, we suggest you get the NAD VISO HP70.

Buying Options

Who this is for: These noise-cancelling earbuds make travel and commutes a lot more peaceful, and they’re small enough and lightweight enough to pack in any bag. While no headphones we’ve tested are great for sleeping in, these are better than most.

Why we like it: The Plantronics BackBeat Go 410 are the best all-around choice for in-ear noise-cancelling earbuds. This pair sounds good and offers decent noise-cancelling capabilities but it really shines when you consider its versatility. It’s one of the few earbuds that offers a wired connection option. It offers plenty enough noise cancelling for most situations, and sounds at least as good as the competing models we tested.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: There’s not much to complain about on the BackBeat Go 410. It would be nice to have sufficient battery life to last through a 14-hour flight but at least you have options when the battery runs low. You can plug it directly into your phone, shut noise-cancelling off or give them a quick 15-minute charge, which can get them running for an extra hour.

Buying Options

Who this is for: If you’re a PC-gaming enthusiast, you need headphones that sound good, fit comfortably for long game sessions, and have a clear microphone for chatting with teammates or opponents.

Why we like it: The HyperX Cloud Alpha offers the best mix of audio performance and comfort for the money. It’s beautifully built and impressively comfortable—you can wear it for hours on end without cranial distress. The sound quality holds up against some of the best dedicated headphones in its price range. It also has great bass that doesn’t drown out the other sounds while playing games.

Photo: Rozette Rago

Flaws but notdealbreakers: The microphone is mediocre and it can sometimes make your voice sound nasally. It’s also quite bulky, but that’s not unexpected for a gaming headset.

Buying Options

Who this is for: This kind of headphone is for people who want to watch TV but don’t want to bother other people with the sound.

Why we like it: The HP-902 RFT package (which you can find under both the Power Acoustik and Farenheit brands) is a great value. The headphones sound fairly neutral (no serious issues in the frequency response), have two separate RCA inputs, allow for multiple headphone sets to connect to one base station, and offer decent range—you can wander a few rooms away with no interference.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The package gives you an RF transmitter, two pairs of headphones, zippered cases for those headphones—and nothing else. The headphones run on AAA batteries (not included), and the package doesn’t include an AC adapter (though you can easily get one on Amazon for around $5). The headphones themselves feel cheap and plasticky, and a little breakable, but every other offering we tested in their price range was equally flimsy—and produced much worse sound, included only one pair of headphones, lacked a case, and provided a less comfortable fit for all our panelists.

Buying Options

Who this is for: If you use your headphones regularly at the gym, you need workout headphones specifically designed to stay in place through a variety of high-impact moves.

Why we like it: The Jabra Elite Active 65t true-wireless earbuds have onboard volume, track, and digital-assistant controls, so you won’t need to fuss with your device mid-workout. The adjustable situational-awareness mode allows you to have a conversation or keep an ear on traffic without removing your earbuds. Five hours of battery life per charge is more than enough for most gym sessions; plus, the charging case can store up to 10 more hours of juice (and the rapid-charge function gives you 1½ hours of use from just 15 minutes in the charging case).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although we adore the Elite Active 65t, we do have a few small quibbles. The first is that when you push the buttons that control tracks and volume, you may also push the earbud farther into your ear. The sensation isn’t uncomfortable but it is mildly annoying—we found that holding the tiny arm that contains the mics with two fingers to stabilize the earbud while pressing the buttons alleviates the problem. Second, even though the embedded accelerometer on the earbuds is a neat idea, at the moment it tracks only steps. It does so fairly accurately, but if you are a fitness enthusiast, you likely already have a fitness tracker that does this and more. Last, the Elite Active 65t is plagued by the same limitations as many true wireless earbuds: battery life and latency. However, the five-hour battery life on this pair ranks among the longest we’ve seen for this style of earbud, and the slight audio lag is generally minimal enough to avoid being distracting—especially if most of your time watching is also spent in motion.

Battery life: Approximately five hoursWarranty: Two yearsProtected against: Sweat and water damage

Best running headphones

Our pick

This pair lets in environmental noise to keep you safe and sounds better than the competition. The BackBeat Fit 2100 earbuds are tough, comfortable, and resistant to water and sweat, and they have a battery life of seven-plus hours.

Buying Options

Who this is for: If you run outside frequently (as opposed to on a treadmill), you need headphones that not only stay in place comfortably, are sweat resistant, and are easy to use, but also allow you to hear the world around you.

Why we like it: Plantronics’s BackBeat Fit line of earbuds have been our favorite running headphones for two years now. They’re comfortable and easy to use while you’re moving, and they’re resistant to sweat, rain, and dust. The BackBeat Fit 2100 offers great sound quality, better than what we've heard from just about any other unsealed headphones we’ve ever tested. The earbuds feel lightweight and stable—you can just pop them onto your head and go. A hook over the ear and a small wing just inside the outer ear keep each earbud in place. The BackBeat Fit 2100 has a claimed battery life of seven hours. If you run out of juice and are in a hurry, the pair’s quick-charge feature will give you one hour of use after only a 15-minute charge.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For the most part, the BackBeat Fit 2100 is fantastic, but we have a minor quibble. If you run with a scarf in cold weather or have a high collar on your jacket, the thick, rubberized cable that connects the earbuds may occasionally brush against it, but we never felt as though the earbuds were tugging or at risk of falling out.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Yes, kids headphones are sized for smaller heads, but they also include a volume-limiting feature made for the hearing safety of kiddos who listen via headphones frequently.

Why we like it: The Puro BT2200 headphones remain within safe listening levels when used properly, but in our tests they were also the favorite of all our kid panelists, which means your little ones will be more likely to use them. The size and weight fit kids from 2½ to 11 years comfortably, so you can buy these headphones once and they’ll grow with your child; they’re also sturdy enough that they should last a long time, too. While a lot of other kids headphones are made of breakable cheap plastic, the BT2200 has a well-constructed aluminum frame and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: When a child is using these headphones wired, the supplied cord must be plugged in the correct direction, or else the volume reduction will not work. That cable design is the biggest concern for us, and we recommend keeping an eye on your child when the cable is in use. That said, with this set's battery life of 18-plus hours, the cable should be needed only as a backup option. The only other flaw we saw with the Puro BT2200 was the inability to change tracks using the headphones themselves. One more thing worth mentioning isn’t a flaw so much as an observation: If you’re hoping to use these headphones on long car trips, and you have a newer car seat with thickly padded headrest sides (like the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70), most of the headphones we tested—including the Puro BT2200—will not fit in between the side crash supports.

Battery life: 18 hoursWarranty: One year with a 30-day money-back guaranteeConnections: Bluetooth and 3.5 mm cord

Best wired headphones under $200

Our pick

The Sony MDR-7506, a longtime staple for audio professionals and the universal choice among our listening panel, offers more reliability, more comfort, and better sound than many headphones twice its price.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Budding audio fans, musicians who need headphones for recording, and podcasters alike will find these headphones, and their price, the most attractive. They're affordable and dependable, and they sound great.

Why we like it: The Sony MDR-7506 has been a studio and live-audio staple since its release in 1991. Not only does it provide accurate-sounding bass, mids, and treble, but it also gives you a better sense of the depth and dynamics of your music than many models twice the price. Durable, comfortable, and reliable, this pair usually costs under $100.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the long, coiled cable is practical, being able to swap it out for a shorter cord with a remote and a mic for mobile-device usage or to replace a damaged cord would be nice. Also, the looks are professional but in no way stylish. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, check out the rest of the picks in our guides to the best headphones under $200 and the best headphones under $100.

Best wired earbuds under $200

Our pick

The Comet pair delivers accurate, detailed sound, with a sense of space that’s rare for in-ear headphones. These earbuds are well-built and include a replaceable cable with a three-button remote and mic.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Wired earbuds are for anyone who values sound quality over wireless capability or noise cancelling but wants something they can easily pack in a pocket or small bag.

Why we like it: The Campfire Audio Comet headphones have a detailed and clear sound. They include a variety of tip options in both silicone and memory foam. The Comet pair has a comfortable fit for various ear shapes. The earbuds are also made of sturdy stainless steel that don’t tug on the ear canal. They include a three-button remote and mic for taking calls, and are replaceable, which can extend the life of your earbuds in the event of an unfortunate snag. They also include a two-year warranty if any other issues crop up.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Campfire Audio Comet earbuds lack an abundance of bass. Although they contain an extra treble bump, they don’t have the bass-note energy. A boost of just 5 to 10 decibels in the bass, making it slightly louder, would take these earbuds from excellent to perfect. Although the mildly heavier stainless steel earbuds felt stable in our panelists’ ears, we wish the Comet design offered a wing or a hook over the ear to add stability for folks who have smaller ear canals and often find that traditional earbud shapes slowly fall out.

Our pick

Buying Options

Who these are for: People who are looking for traditional over-the-head wireless Bluetooth headphones and want good sound for the least amount of money.

Why we like it: The Jabra Move Wireless headphones perform well at all the basic functions you need, for a modest price. They sound about 75 percent as good as Bluetooth headphones that cost four times as much, and the mic is clear for when you make phone calls, too. The controls are easily accessible and understandable, and the earpads, padded headband, and pivoting earcups make the fit comfortable for most people. Plus, the battery’s eight-plus hours of talk/listen time (we measured 15 hours) and 12 days of standby time mean you’ll get a full day’s listening before needing to charge.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The cable included with the Move lacks a remote and microphone, so you won’t be able to make calls when the battery dies. Additionally, the sound via the cable is a little brighter than via Bluetooth. We’d prefer that the Move fold for storage and have replaceable earpads, too.

Buying Options

Who this is for: These more affordable earbuds are great for everyday use and not so expensive that you’d be afraid to use them or travel with them.

Why we like it: The Marshall Mode earbuds have a balanced sound profile that can handle any style of music brilliantly. In our tests, the bass was slightly boosted but had no bloat or blurriness, even on already bass-forward songs. The highs were clear and didn’t have the piercing, harsh quality that too many other earbuds in this category did. All of our panelists were able to get a good seal and a comfortable fit, too. The single-button universal remote answers calls, handles music-playback functions, and activates voice commands. A bonus is the design of the microphone: Separate from the remote, it sits up higher on the cable, closer to your mouth. If you’ve ever held the remote on your headphones up to your mouth to be heard on phone calls, you’ll find this to be a welcome feature.

Photo: Michael Hession

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Mode has only a single-button remote. Although it will handle play/pause, voice commands, and tracks on most devices, some Android-device owners may find that the track skipping doesn’t work as well. Unfortunately, because of the varying OS coding on Android phones, this is a common issue with universal remotes. And though the overall balance of the Mode is quite good, the highs can occasionally sound slightly coarse in comparison with those of headphones in the $200-plus range. These earbuds are wired, so if that’s a dealbreaker for you we also have picks for the best wireless earbuds under $100 and the best wireless headphones under $100.

Buying Options

Who this is for: Whether you are prone to losing your headphones or sticking to a budget, sometimes you just need a pair of inexpensive Bluetooth earbuds that get the job done.

Why we like it: The Skullcandy Ink’d Bluetooth pair has a lightweight, comfortable fit, as well as decent, bass-forward sound and easy-to-use controls. We also like that the necklace design is flexible enough for you to fold it up and put it in your pocket.

Photo: Kyle Fitzgerald

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you have wide ear canals, you may not get a proper fit with the included tips. Bizarrely, Skullcandy includes only medium and small tips, and bigger tips add extra cost. In addition, the sound of the Ink’d Bluetooth is less balanced than we’d prefer: In our tests, the forward bass muddied the lower-mid guitar range, and the somewhat coarse-sounding high-frequency range gave strings a tinny feel. Finally, if you frequently make phone calls, you’ll need to pay attention to the location of the mic; your voice can sound a bit muffled if your shirt or jacket gets in the way.

Buying Options

Who this is for: If you need a backup pair of headphones that cover the basics, or a set you won’t cry over if lost, budget wired earbuds get the job done for as little money as possible.

Why we like it: The JBL Live 100 is a great pair of earbuds. It has great sound quality and design and a compact storage case. It delivered a more realistic, balanced sound than the other earbuds we tested in this price range, and the fabric-wrapped cable and aluminum earbuds represent an upgrade in build. The bass was slightly boosted, just enough to make the kick drum and bass guitar feel a tad louder in songs. We also heard some extra intensity on “t” and “s” sounds on vocals, guitar fret noises, and cymbal hits, but that added emphasis wasn’t fatiguing to listen to over time or at louder volumes. Overall, the Live 100 earbuds are very balanced, clear, and well-suited to any kind of music.

Photo: Rozette Rago

Flaws but not dealbreakers: When it comes to the sound, we’d love to have a less icy edge to consonants and snare hits, and maybe a bit less resonance to the bass. The cable, while great for keeping tangles at bay, can transfer some noise when you move around, like the string in a tin-can telephone. The effect isn’t distracting, but it is a little annoying if you’re listening at low volumes and walking around. Check out the other picks in our full best earbuds under $50 guide.

Buying Options

Who these are for: This type of headphone is for music connoisseurs who want better performance than standard cans, but not something so expensive or delicate that you’re afraid to take them with you to work or school.

Why we like it: The Monolith by Monoprice M565C headphones have an exciting, detailed sound, beating out pairs that cost hundreds more. Suitable for any genre of music, the planar-magnetic drivers are housed in isolating closed-back earcups, so that you can block out distractions and focus on enjoying your playlist. They have a sturdy, comfortable build and replaceable cable, and Monoprice’s five-year warranty is about the longest of any headphones we’ve seen.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people who prefer to keep a lower profile when listening, these headphones may not be ideal (their look clearly says “not now, I’m busy”). Because they don’t fold up, and their hard-sided storage case is one of the largest we tested, they are far from being easily portable. As for sound, the M565C model doesn’t deliver quite as much presence in the mids as we’d like in the ideal headphones, and some of our panelists would have preferred a little extra sparkle on the highs. Plus, the cable is a bit noisy if you move around a lot or wear a scratchy sweater. Lastly, unlike some other headphones in this category, the M565C set doesn’t come with a cable that has a remote and mic option for mobile use.